Techniques for paper finishing with laser engraving and cutting machines
Paper is a very exciting material for laser processing. It is extremely versatile and can be laser cut and laser engraved well for many different projects. Below is an example using a paper movie voucher. You can find the parameters used by us in the table below.
We have used the paper "Aqua Silver" from the series Gmund 925 with a grammage of 290 g/m².
Deep engraving

Light engraving

Scratching

Engraving line

Perforation

Filigree cut

Outer cut

Printing adjustments

Send the job to the laser with the following settings. Make sure to use color when screening so that all objects are processed.
We used a Speedy 360 with 80 Watt and a 1.5" lens.
Print settings
Process type | Resolution | Cutting line |
---|---|---|
Standard | 500dpi | none |
Screening | Others |
---|---|
Color | Optimized geometries, internal geometries first |
Laser parameter settings

Next assign your parameter settings. The parameters will deviate depending on the paper you use, as well as your laser and the available laser power output.
Tip: Try using a different paper. You can test the settings on a small area which is not needed later. Use our gray scale matrix for this.
Laser parameters
Laser parameter | Color | Process | Power (%) | Speed (%) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Deep engraving | Black | CO2 engraving | 36 | 30 |
Light engraving | Red | CO2 engraving | 19 | 40 |
Scratching | Blue | CO2 cutting | 2.8 | 0.6 |
Engraving line | Desert blue | CO2 cutting | 5 | 1 |
Filigree cut/perforation | Cyan | CO2 cutting | 8 | 0,5 |
Outer cut | Green | CO2 cutting | 20 | 2 |
ppi/Hz | Passes | Air Assist | Z-Offset | Advanced |
---|---|---|---|---|
500 | 1 | on | - | optimized quality |
500 | 1 | on | - | optimized quality |
1000 | 1 | on | - | - |
1000 | 1 | on | +4mm | - |
1000 | 1 | on | - | - |
1000 | 1 | on | - | - |
Inspirations

You can of course use all these techniques which we have presented to you here with other types of paper.
For an individual touch, you can also add photo engraving. In the JobControl® print settings use the process option “Photo” and the halftone "Ordered Dithering” for this.
Caution: No other engraving techniques, such as light engraving or deep engraving, can be combined in with photo engraving or the halftone "Ordered Dithering". The colors used for this would be screened, thus converted into gray scale. However, these settings do not have an effect on the colors of the cutting lines. If you still would wish to accommodate all techniques in the card, send the image separately and work with markers for exact placement.
Further information
Need more help?
Contact the Trotec service hotline where top qualified and motivated laser experts will assist you with any questions or problems.